Are you wondering how to prevent debit card fraud? It’s no surprise. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network, consumers reported more than 36,000 cases of debit card fraud in 2024, losing over $92 million.
Debit card fraud happens when a scammer gains access to your debit card details and uses them to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals.
In this article, we’ll discuss six effective methods to protect yourself from debit card fraud, warning signs to look out for, and the steps to take if your debit card is hacked.
How To Protect Your Debit Card From Fraud
Most debit and credit cards now feature tap-to-pay options, which, thanks to encryption and sophisticated dynamic data technology, limit fraud attempts. The government also has consumer protection policies to protect consumers from debit card fraud.
Still, debit card scams are not rare, and you should take precautions to protect your money. Follow the debit card fraud protection tips below to stay safe:
- Sign up for banking alerts
- Get paperless bank statements
- Protect your debit card information
- Report lost/stolen cards as soon as possible
- Follow safe online transaction practices
- Use only trusted ATMs located at banks
Sign Up for Banking Alerts
Banking alerts keep you informed about activity on your account in real time. They notify you about unusual activity in your account so you can act quickly if something seems off and minimize damage.
Most banks allow you to customize your alert settings. You can choose to receive notifications for various activity types, including:
- Transactions over a certain amount
- Balance dropping below a certain level
- International transactions
- Changes to your account information or password
Get Paperless Bank Statements
Physical bank statements can be stolen, which puts your sensitive financial information at risk. If someone intercepts your bank statement, they could obtain your account number, impersonate you at the bank, and access your debit card details.
A paperless approach allows you to receive password-protected statements through email, reducing the risk of information leaks and debit card fraud.
Protect Your Debit Card Information
Scammers are always looking for ways to access your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. They pose as your bank and may reach out to you through phone calls, emails, or text messages.
If you receive a call or message claiming to be from your bank and asking for your debit card information, do not share it. Legitimate banks will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank at the official customer support number.
In addition, memorize your debit card PIN and avoid sharing it with anyone. Writing it down and storing it in your wallet or phone can lead to unauthorized access to your funds.
Report Lost/Stolen Cards as Soon as Possible
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call your bank or credit union as soon as possible to report the incident.
Right after the phone call, write a letter to your card issuer, including:
- Your account and card numbers
- The date and time you discovered the card was missing
- The date and time you initially reported the loss
Reporting the incident as soon as possible reduces your liability for unauthorized transactions. That’s because the amount you are responsible for depends on how promptly you report the issue:
Time Before You Report a Stolen/Lost Debit Card | The Amount You’ll Be Responsible For |
Before any unauthorized payments are made | $0 |
Within two days of card loss | $50 |
More than two business days but less than 60 days | $500 |
More than 60 days | All funds stolen |
Once you report your card missing, your bank can freeze it and prevent fraudsters from making purchases or withdrawals. Your bank will issue a new card with a different number so you can continue making secure transactions without interruption.
Follow Safe Online Transaction Practices
Online transactions are a common target for fraudsters who want to access your debit card information. Here are some best practices to avoid fraud:
- Ensure your computer, phone, or tablet is running the latest antivirus and security software
- Use strong passwords for your online accounts and devices, with a different password for each account
- Enable biometric authentication for login and transactions, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for an extra layer of debit card fraud protection
- When making online purchases, verify that the website’s URL starts with “https.” Avoid shopping on websites with unsecured payment pages or excessive ads
- Don’t make purchases using public Wi-Fi networks since they may not be secure. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your information while shopping
Use Only Trusted ATMs Located at Banks
ATMs located at bank branches are safer than those found in less secure places like convenience stores or gas stations.
Fraudsters often target non-bank ATMs because they are more vulnerable to tampering technology, such as skimming devices or hidden cameras.
Even at a bank ATM, check for unusual attachments or loose parts that could indicate a skimming device before you use it. You also want to shield the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent anyone from capturing it.
How Can Your Debit Card Get Hacked?

Learning about common debit card hacking methods is a good idea as it allows you to take the appropriate precautions depending on the situation. Here are a few considerations:
- Skimming devices—Hackers attach small devices to ATMs or card readers that capture your card’s details when you swipe or insert it. This data is then used to create duplicate cards
- Phishing scams—You might receive fake emails, texts, or calls that appear to be from your bank, asking you to provide your debit card details. Hackers use this information to access your account
- Data breaches—If a business where you used your card experiences a data breach, your card details can be stolen and sold on the dark web
- Malware—If your computer or phone is infected with malware, hackers can steal your card details when you make an online purchase or access your bank account
- Fake websites—Hackers create fake websites that mimic real online shopping platforms, and when you enter your debit card details, they steal your information
How To Know if Your Debit Card Is Hacked
Detecting debit card fraud early helps you minimize damage. Here are some common signs to watch for:
- You notice unfamiliar transactions or purchases
- Your card gets declined even though there is enough money in your account
- Your funds disappear without any explanation
- You see charges from places or stores you haven’t visited
- There are unusual login attempts or changes to your account information
- Your bank calls you regarding suspicious activity
- You receive new card receipts you did not request
What To Do if Your Debit Card Is Hacked
If you suspect that you have been a victim of debit card fraud, take the following steps:
- Contact your bank immediately—Most financial institutions have a dedicated support line for reporting fraud. Call your bank to report the issue immediately to minimize your liability. Follow the call by sending a written complaint to your bank
- Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if necessary—If you don’t hear back from your bank within ten business days after reporting the fraud, escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the CFPB. Submit your complaint online or call their hotline at (855) 411-2372
- Report the fraud to the FTC—The FTC uses your debit card fraud report to build cases against scammers and share them with law enforcement for further investigation
- Place a credit freeze—Falling victim to debit card fraud means your personal information is exposed. Scammers might use it to take out new loans in your name, which could affect your credit score. To avoid that, contact the three major credit bureaus and place a credit freeze
- Move your funds to a high-security bank account like FortKnox by Austin Capital Bank—Ensure you never lose money to a debit card fraud again by storing your savings in a highly secure bank account. FortKnox disables all remote debits to your account, eliminating the risk of unauthorized transactions